Citroen Relay Roof Rack: Aluminium, In Stock, and Ready to Ship
The Citroen Relay is one of the UK’s most popular large panel vans — and one of the smartest buys for a campervan conversion. It shares its body, chassis, and mechanical components with the Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer, which means strong aftermarket support, widely available parts, and accessories that fit all three.
If you’re planning a conversion, fitting a Citroen Relay roof rack early in the build is essential. It determines your solar panel layout, awning position, and exterior storage options — all of which influence how the interior build comes together.
This guide covers exactly what you need to know to choose the right rack for your Relay.
Same Van, Three Badges: Why This Matters
The Citroen Relay, Fiat Ducato, and Peugeot Boxer are all built at the Sevel Sud factory in Italy on an identical platform. The differences between them are limited to:
- Front grille and badge styling
- Minor interior trim details
- Engine tuning (slight variations)
The body shell, roof dimensions, mounting points, and structural engineering are the same. A roof rack designed for the Relay/Boxer/Ducato platform fits all three badges identically. You don’t need to hunt for a Citroen-specific product — anything built for the Sevel platform works.
This shared architecture is actually an advantage. It means a much larger market for accessories, more manufacturer support, and better availability.
Why Aluminium Is the Smart Choice for a Relay Roof Rack
The Citroen Relay is a big, practical van. The roof rack should match that practicality:
Weight
The Relay is already a heavy vehicle. A steel roof rack adds 35-50 kg above the centre of gravity, which:
- Increases fuel consumption noticeably on a van that’s already thirsty
- Makes the van feel top-heavy in crosswinds and corners
- Uses up a significant chunk of your payload allowance
- Increases braking distances
An aluminium rack weighing 18-25 kg gives you the same load capacity while keeping the van’s handling closer to stock. Every kilo saved on the roof is a kilo you can put inside.
Corrosion
If your Relay is going to see British winters — and it will — corrosion resistance matters. Steel racks rust. Period. Powder coating chips from loading, stone impacts, and vibration, and once moisture gets under the surface, corrosion spreads invisibly.
Aluminium roof racks don’t rust. The material naturally forms a protective oxide layer that shrugs off rain, road salt, and coastal air. After ten years of service, an aluminium rack looks essentially the same as the day you fitted it.
Modularity
Aluminium’s machinability enables true modular design. Components bolt together with precision, creating a system where:
- Cross bars slot into specific positions
- Deck panels clip in and out
- Solar brackets, awning mounts, and accessories bolt to standardised channels
- The entire configuration can be changed in minutes
A welded steel rack is fixed forever. An aluminium modular system evolves with your build.
Citroen Relay Sizes: Getting the Right Rack
The Relay comes in multiple configurations:
Wheelbase Options
- L1 (Short): 3,000 mm — compact, city-friendly
- L2 (Medium): 3,450 mm — the most popular for conversions
- L3 (Long): 4,035 mm — more interior space for larger builds
- L4 (Extra-long): 4,035 mm+ — maximum space for expedition builds
Roof Heights
- H1 (Low): Standard trade van height — limited standing room
- H2 (Medium): Standing headroom for most people — the conversion sweet spot
- H3 (High): Maximum interior height — overhead lockers and airy interiors
The most common conversion configuration is L2H2 or L3H2 — enough space for a comfortable build with standing headroom. Your rack needs to match your exact combination because mounting point positions and roof dimensions vary between sizes.
What Makes a Good Citroen Relay Roof Rack
1. Vehicle-Specific Design
A rack engineered for the Relay’s (Sevel platform) factory mounting points means:
- No drilling into the van body
- Perfect alignment along the full roof length
- Even load distribution — the roof handles loads as designed
- Clean installation — no visible clamps or bodge brackets
Universal racks use generic clamps that fit approximately. On a van you’re investing thousands into converting, “approximately” isn’t good enough.
2. Modular Construction
Conversion projects evolve. Your rack should keep up:
- Start with the base rack during the build phase
- Add solar brackets when your electrical system is ready
- Fit awning mounts when it’s time for outdoor living
- Bolt on a roof box when you need more storage
- Reconfigure for different seasons and trips
3. Serious Load Rating
The Citroen Relay typically supports 100-130 kg dynamic roof load. Plan your accessories accordingly:
| Accessory | Typical Weight |
|---|---|
| Aluminium rack (base) | 18-25 kg |
| Solar panels (x3) | 30-45 kg |
| Awning | 10-20 kg |
| Roof box (empty) | 15-20 kg |
| Mounting brackets/hardware | 5-8 kg |
Total up your planned accessories and make sure you’re comfortably within both the rack’s capacity and the van’s roof rating.
4. Delivered from UK Stock
Timing matters in a van build. Waiting six weeks for a rack shipped from Europe holds up everything that depends on it — solar panel placement, awning positioning, and exterior configuration.
YAKKT holds stock in the UK for fast dispatch, with free delivery anywhere in the country. No waiting, no import surprises.
Installing a Roof Rack on a Citroen Relay
Tools Required
- Socket set (sizes specified with your rack)
- Torque wrench
- Step ladder (H2 and H3 Relays are tall)
- Flat trim removal tool for mounting point covers
- A helper for lifting rack sections
Step-by-Step
- Find the factory mounting points — they’re in channels along the roof, under plastic caps
- Remove the caps carefully with a trim tool
- Lift the rack feet onto the roof — get a helper for this
- Position each foot over its corresponding mounting point
- Hand-tighten all bolts while checking alignment
- Torque all fixings to the specified setting
- Attach cross bars and deck panels
- Add accessories — solar brackets, awning mounts, lighting
- Test drive and re-check all fixings after the first trip
Most installations take two to three hours. The Relay’s mounting points are well-positioned and clearly accessible. No specialist skills or equipment needed.
Want a professional to handle it? YAKKT’s network of approved fitters can install your rack quickly and correctly.
Popular Citroen Relay Roof Rack Setups
The Weekend Campervan
- Two cross bars with a single 200W solar panel
- Side awning mount on the sliding door side
- Light, simple, no-fuss
The Full Conversion
- Full-length rack with deck panels
- Three to four solar panels (600-800W)
- 3m side awning with integrated brackets
- Rear roof box for storage
- Front-mounted LED light bar
The Expedition Build
- Full deck platform
- Maximum solar array
- Side-mounted recovery gear — traction boards, sand ladders
- Jerry can mounts for extended range
- Roof-mounted water tank
- Forward and side lighting
The beauty of a modular system is that you can start with one configuration and build towards another as your needs grow.
Citroen Relay vs Fiat Ducato vs Peugeot Boxer: Does It Matter?
For roof rack purposes — no. The body is identical across all three. Here’s a quick rundown of the differences that do exist:
- Citroen Relay: Often the most competitively priced of the three. Good dealer network in the UK
- Fiat Ducato: The most popular worldwide for professional motorhome conversions. Strong aftermarket community
- Peugeot Boxer: Shares everything with the Relay — essentially a badge-engineered twin
If someone’s selling you a “Citroen Relay-specific” rack at a premium over a “Ducato” rack, they’re the same product. Buy on quality and engineering, not badge matching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Citroen Relay roof rack fit a Fiat Ducato?
Yes. The Relay and Ducato share an identical body shell, roof dimensions, and mounting points. A rack designed for one fits the other perfectly. The same applies to the Peugeot Boxer. Just make sure you match the correct wheelbase and roof height.
How much weight can I put on a Citroen Relay roof?
The Relay typically supports 100-130 kg dynamic roof load (while driving), depending on your specific model. Always check your vehicle’s documentation for the exact figure. Remember that both the van’s roof rating and the rack’s load rating apply — the lower number is your actual limit.
Will fitting a roof rack void my Citroen warranty?
Fitting a rack using the factory-provided mounting points does not void the manufacturer’s warranty. These mounting points are designed and tested for accessories. Avoid drilling into or modifying the roof structure.
Can I fit a roof rack on a Citroen Relay myself?
Yes. With a vehicle-specific rack that uses factory mounting points, it’s a straightforward bolt-on installation. Basic hand tools, a torque wrench, and two to three hours is all it takes. A helper makes lifting the parts onto the roof easier.
What’s the best roof rack material for a Citroen Relay?
Aluminium — specifically marine-grade 5083. It’s lighter than steel (better fuel economy and handling), naturally corrosion-resistant (no rusting in British weather), and enables modular designs that adapt to your needs. The higher upfront cost is offset by lifetime durability and fuel savings.
How long does a Citroen Relay roof rack last?
A steel rack typically shows corrosion within 3-5 years in UK conditions. An aluminium rack lasts indefinitely — the material doesn’t rust or degrade under normal use. YAKKT backs this with a lifetime guarantee.
Time to Fit Your Relay
Your Citroen Relay conversion starts on the roof. Get the rack right first and everything else — solar, awning, exterior storage — falls into place.
YAKKT’s modular aluminium roof rack is purpose-designed for the Citroen Relay (and identically fits the Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer). 5083 marine-grade aluminium, CAD-designed, manufactured in Scotland, in stock with free UK delivery, and backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Shop Citroen Relay roof racks →
Questions about your specific Relay model? Get in touch — we’re here to help.